Cody Gakpo one of five immediately sent home from Netherlands squad after virus outbreak

Cody Gakpo is one of five players sent home from the Netherlands squad after a virus outbreak ahead of the start of their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.

The Dutch FA have confirmed that Gakpo has been released from the squad ahead of the matches against France on Friday and Gibraltar on Monday,

Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and PSV Eindhoven midfielder Joey Veerman are the other players removed from the squad.

Dutch coach Ronald Koeman has called up three players to replace those who have left, with Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij and goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen

Dutch FA Statement: "Gravenberch and Scherpen, who are on a training camp in Spain with the Dutch Juniors, will join the group in Paris.

"De Vrij also joins the selection in Paris, which then consists of 23 players. After the match against France, the composition of the selection will be reviewed."

The loss of Gakpo, who scored three goals at the World Cup in Qatar, is likely to be the most keenly felt by the Dutch ahead of the clash with France in Paris.